Mr. Collegiate African American to Commemorate 32nd Anniversary in Texas

The Mr. Collegiate African American Pageant™ is back for its 32nd Anniversary celebration and competition on Applications are now being accepted for candidates for the program set for November 13-17, 2024 in Houston and Prairie View, Texas, with the finals on Saturday, November 16, 2024. The pageant is being held in conjunction with the International Leadership Summit on Black Men, set for November 15-16, 2024 at Prairie View A&M University.

When we think of pageantry in America, we think of women in sequin gowns and swimsuits, and talent, vying to be queens. The interesting thing is that there is a queen and no king! Well, the producers of the Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Pageant (MCAASPP) has been changing that imagery since 1990 with the pageant creation, the first of its kind in the world and a catalyst for campus kings. The program empowers Black college men and changes the negative imagery of them in the society.

When asked why a pageant program for males, Pageant Founder Frederick V. Roberts stated that "pageantry is gender-free." In fact, the early Egyptians used pageantry as a ceremony of ascension and coronation. W. E. B. DuBois also produced the "Star of Egypt Pageant" in the early 1950's to display the achievement of Blacks. Using the principles of character, self-esteem, positive role modeling and services, the MCAASPP) hopes to grow the next generation of African American male leaders and role models for the world.  In the spirit of the African Proverb -"Until the lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunter,"  we have to tell our stories, and the MCAASPP is one way to our growth.

The goal of the program is provide a model of excellence for Black males for a positive belief in oneself and race, and to encourage individual and group achievement in the pursuit of excellence.  We must dispel the myth that one has to be a product of a negative environment and can be a catalyst for change and achievement.

The Mr. Collegiate program was created as a mentoring program in summer of 1990 and the the first pageant was staged in April 1992 with 13 candidates from HBCU's, which included some college kings and student leaders.  Charles Clemens,  Mr. Lincoln University-Pennsylvania, was selected the first Mr. Collegiate.  Incidentally the the program is in its twenty-ninth year and is the impetus for the increase in Black College Kings, however it is now open to Black men between 18-30 years of age who are enrolled in colleges and universities.

Since then, other winners include Steven Daniels, (Alabama State), Stacey O. Washington, (Virginia State), Christopher Sanders, (Kentucky State), Adoris Turner, (Jackson State) and Damany Mayfield (Virginia State).

Candidates compete in a private interview with Judges, personal platform (oratory), talent, formal attire and onstage interview and question.

The pageant winners and candidates compete for some $10,000 in scholarships, gifts and prizes. Additionally, the winner has the opportunity to represent the program at special events and conferences, visits to K-12 schools and colleges around the country, sharing his platform of achievement and community engagement.

The program is being sponsored in conjunction with the National Leadership Summit on Black Men, focusing on helping to create the next generation of leaders and Black male achievement in the likes of President Barak Obama, Sidney Poitier, Mark Morial, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, the Honorable Louis Farrakhan, John Legend, Benjamin Chavis, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Eric Holder, Bob Johnson, Denzel Washington, Steph Curry, LeBron James and Michael Jordan, etc.

Application Deadline is: September 30, 2024.

For an application and other information, please contact: The Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Program: P.O. Box 2906, Prairie View, TX 77446-2906. Email: mrcollegiateprograms@gmail.com.

Mr. Collegiate African American Program set for April 2024 . . .

The Mr. Collegiate African American Pageant™ is back for its 31st Anniversary celebration and competition on Applications are now being accepted for candidates for the program set for April 3-6, 2024 in Houston and Prairie View, Texas, with the finals on Saturday, April 6, in conjunction with the International Leadership Summit on Black Men, set for April 5-6, 2024 at Prairie View A&M University.

When we think of pageantry in America, we think of women in sequin gowns, swimsuits and talent, vying to be queens. The interesting thing is that there is a queen and no king! Well, the producers of the Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Pageant (MCAASPP) has been changing that imagery since 1990 with the pageant creation, the first of its kind in the world and a catalyst for campus kings. The program empowers Black college men and changes the negative imagery of them in the society.

When asked why a pageant program for males, Pageant Founder Frederick V. Roberts stated that "pageantry is gender-free." In fact, the early Egyptians used pageantry as a ceremony of ascension and coronation. W. E. B. DuBois also produced the "Star of Egypt Pageant" in the early 1950's to display the achievement of Blacks. Using the principles of character, self-esteem, positive role modeling and services, the MCAASPP) hopes to grow the next generation of African American male leaders and role models for the world.  In the spirit of the African Proverb -"Until the lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunter," it is imperative that we tell our stories, and the MCAASPP is that avenue to change the narrative.

The goal of the program is provide a model of excellence for Black males for a positive belief in oneself and race, and to encourage individual and group achievement in the pursuit of excellence.  We must dispel the myth that one has to be a product of a negative environment and can be a catalyst for change and achievement.

The Mr. Collegiate program was created as a mentoring program in summer of 1990 and the the first pageant was staged in April 1992 with 13 candidates from HBCU's, which included some college kings and student leaders.  Charles Clemens,  Mr. Lincoln University-Pennsylvania, was selected the first Mr. Collegiate.  Incidentally the the program is in its twenty-ninth year and is the impetus for the increase in Black College Kings, however it is now open to Black men between 18-30 years of age who are enrolled in colleges and universities.

Since then, other winners include Steven Daniels, (Alabama State), Stacey O. Washington, (Virginia State), Christopher Sanders, (Kentucky State), Adoris Turner, (Jackson State) and Damany Mayfield (Virginia State).

Candidates compete in a private interview with Judges, personal platform (oratory), talent, formal attire and onstage interview and question.

The pageant winners and candidates compete for some $10,000 in scholarships, gifts and prizes. Additionally, the winner has the opportunity to represent the program at special events and conferences, visits to K-12 schools and colleges around the country, sharing his platform of achievement and community engagement.

The program is being sponsored in conjunction with the National Leadership Summit on Black Men, focusing on helping to create the next generation of leaders and Black male achievement in the likes of President Barak Obama, Sidney Poitier, Mark Morial, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, the Honorable Louis Farrakhan, John Legend, Benjamin Chavis, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Eric Holder, Bob Johnson, Denzel Washington, Steph Curry, LeBron James and Michael Jordan, etc.

Application Deadline is: January 31, 2024.

For an application and other information, please contact: The Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Program: P.O. Box 2906, Prairie View, TX 77446-2906. Email: mrcollegiateprograms@gmail.com.

Mr. Collegiate African American Pageant is back with Vengeance

The Mr. Collegiate African American Pageant is back with a vengeance for its 30th Anniversary celebration! Applications are now being accepted for candidates for the program set for November 16-19, 2022 in Houston and Prairie View, Texas, with the finals on Saturday, November 19, in conjunction with the International Leadership Summit on Black Men, set for November 18-19, 2022 at Prairie View A&M University.

When we think of pageantry in America, we think of women in sequin gowns, swimsuits and talent, vying to be queens. The interesting thing is that there is a queen and no king! Well, the producers of the Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Pageant (MCAASPP) has been changing that imagery since 1990 with the pageant creation, the first of its kind in the world and a catalyst for campus kings. The program empowers Black college men and changes the negative imagery of them in the society.

When asked why a pageant program for males, Pageant Founder Frederick V. Roberts stated that "pageantry is gender-free." In fact, the early Egyptians used pageantry as a ceremony of ascension and coronation. W. E. B. DuBois also produced the "Star of Egypt Pageant" in the early 1950's to display the achievement of Blacks. Using the principles of character, self-esteem, positive role modeling and services, the MCAASPP) hopes to grow the next generation of African American male leaders and role models for the world.

The goal of the program is provide a model of excellence for Black males for a positive belief in oneself and race, and to encourage individual and group achievement in the pursuit of excellence.  We must dispel the myth that one has to be a product of a negative environment and can be a catalyst for change and achievement.

The Mr. Collegiate program was created as a mentoring program in summer of 1990 and the the first pageant was staged in April 1992 with 13 candidates from HBCU's.  Mr. Charles Clemens of Lincoln University-Pennsylvania was selected the first Mr. Collegiate.

Since then, other winners include Steven Daniels, (Alabama State), Stacey O. Washington, (Virginia State), Christopher Sanders, (Kentucky State), Adoris Turner, (Jackson State) and Damany Mayfield (Virginia State).

Candidates compete in a private interview with Judges, personal platform (oratory), talent, formal attire and onstage interview and question.

The pageant winners and candidates will receive some $5,000 in scholarships, gifts and prizes. Additionally, the winner has the opportunity to represent the program at special events and conferences, visits to K-12 schools and colleges around the country, sharing his platform of achievement and community engagement.

The pageant is in its Thirtieth year and is open to college men 18-30 years of age who are enrolled in colleges and universities. The program is being sponsored in conjunction with the National Leadership Summit on Black Men with focus on helping to create the next generation of leaders and Black male achievement in the likes of President Barak Obama, Dr. Cornell West, Mark Morial, the Honorable Louis Farrakhan, Benjamin Chavis, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Eric Holder, Colin Powell, Bob Johnson, Denzel Washington, LeBron James and Michael Jordan, etc.

Application Deadline is: September 30, 2022

For an application and other information, please contact: The Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Program: P.O. Box 2906, Prairie View, TX 77446-2906. Email: mrcollegiateprograms@gmail.com.  Phone: 281-219-8044 - Frederick V. Roberts

Mr. Collegiate Pageant to Celebrate International Men's Week in Texas

The Mr. Collegiate African American Pageant is back with a vengeance for its 30th Anniversary celebration! Applications are now being accepted for candidates for the program set for  November 11-14, 2020 in Houston and Prairie View, Texas, with the finals on April 4, in conjunction with the National Leadership Summit on Black Men, set for November 13-14 at Prairie View A&M University.

When we think of pageantry in America, we think of the beautiful, intelligent and progressive women in sequin gowns, swimsuits and talent, all vying to be queens. Then too, the interesting thing is that you have a queen and no king!  Well, the producers of the Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Pageant Program (MCAASPP) have been dispelling this imagery since 1990 when the pageant, the first of its kind in the world, was created to empower Black college men and to counteract the negative imagery of them as perpetuated in the society.


When asked why a pageant program for males, Pageant Founder Frederick V. Roberts stated that "pageantry is gender-free." In fact, the early Egyptians used pageantry as a ceremony of ascension and coronation. W. E. B. DuBois also produced the "Star of Egypt Pageant" in the early 1950's to display the achievement of Blacks. Using the principles of character, self-esteem, positive role modeling and services, the MCAASPP) hopes to grow the next generation of African American male leaders and role models for the world.

The goal of the program is provide a model of excellence for Black males for a positive belief in oneself and race, and to encourage individual and group achievement in the pursuit of excellence.  We must dispel the myth that one has to be a product of a negative environment and can be a catalyst for change and achievement.

The Mr. Collegiate program was created as a mentoring program in summer of 1990 and the the first pageant was staged in April 1992 with 13 candidates from HBCU's, which included some college kings and student leaders.  Charles Clemens,  Mr. Lincoln University-Pennsylvania, was selected the first Mr. Collegiate.  Incidentally the the program is in its twenty-ninth year and is the impetus for the increase in Black College Kings, however it is now open to Black men between 18-30 years of age who are enrolled in colleges and universities.

Since then, other winners include Steven Daniels, (Alabama State), Stacey O. Washington, (Virginia State), Christopher Sanders, (Kentucky State), Adoris Turner, (Jackson State) and Damany Mayfield (Virginia State).

Candidates compete in a private interview with Judges, personal platform (oratory), talent, formal attire and onstage interview and question.

The pageant winners and candidates will receive some $10,000 in scholarships, gifts and prizes. Additionally, the winner has the opportunity to represent the program at special events and conferences, visits to K-12 schools and colleges around the country, sharing his platform of achievement and community engagement.

The program is being sponsored in conjunction with the National Leadership Summit on Black Men with focus on helping to create the next generation of leaders and Black male achievement in the likes of President Barak Obama, Dr. Cornell West, Mark Morial, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, the Honorable Louis Farrakhan, Benjamin Chavis, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Eric Holder, Bob Johnson, Steph Curry, LeBron James and Michael Jordan, etc.

Application Deadline is: September 30, 2020.

For an application and other information, please contact: The Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Program: P.O. Box 5433, Prairie View, TX 77446-5433. Email: mrcollegiateprograms@gmail.com.

The Mr. Collegiate African American Pageant™ is back for its 28th Anniversary celebration and competition on November 7-10, 2018 in Houston, with the finals on November 10  at Prairie View A&M University. Applications are now being accepted for candidates for the 2018 program with a deadline of September 30.

When we think of pageantry in America, we think of the beautiful and talented women in sequin gowns, swimsuits and talent. Well, the producers of the Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Pageant (MCAASP) has been dispelling this imagery since 1990 when the pageant was created to empower Black college men and to counteract the negative imagery of them as perpetuated in the society.

Questioned as to why a pageant for men, Pageant Director Frederick V. Roberts is committed to the pageant because "pageantry has no gender." Roberts stated that "when we look at our ancestry we find that the early Egyptians used pageantry as a ceremony of ascension and coronation." W. E. B. DuBois also produced the "Star of Egypt" pageant back in the early 50's to focus on achievement of Blacks in all facets of life. Using the principles of character, self-esteem, positive role modeling and services, the MCAASP) hopes to grow the next generation of African American male leaders. 

The goal of the pageant is to dispel the myth that one has to be a product of a negative environment by creating a model of excellence for a positive belief in oneself and race, and encouraging individual and group achievement in the pursuit of excellence.  Roberts is also confident that the Black Panther blockbuster movie will spark a new interest in the male pageant.

The Mr. Collegiate Pageant Program, the first of its kind for College men in general, was created in 1990. However, the first pageant was not staged until April 1992 and Charles Clemens of Lincoln University was selected the first Mr. Collegiate.

Since then, other winners include Steven Daniels, 1993-94 (Alabama State), Stacey O. Washington, 1994-95 (Virginia State), Christopher Sanders, 1995-96 (Kentucky State), Adoris Turner 1997-99 (Jackson State) and Damany Mayfield 2001-2002 (Virginia State)The candidates compete for more than $8,000 in scholarships, gifts and prizes, and the opportunity to represent the national program throughout the world.

Candidates compete in personal interview, service platform (oratory), talent, formal attire and onstage interview and question.  The winners will receive some $8,000 in scholarships, gifts and prizes and the opportunity to represent the program at special events, visits to K-12 and colleges around the country.

The pageant is in its twenty-eighth year and originally was limited to Black College Kings, however this year's event is opened to Black men 18-30 years of age who are enrolled in four-year colleges and universities. The program is being sponsored in conjunction with the National Leadership Conference on Black Men, set for November 9-10, 2018 at PVAMU.  The summit will focus on helping to create the next generation of leaders in the likes of President Barak Obama, Dr. Cornell West, Mark Morial, the Honorable Louis Farrakhan, Benjamin Chavis, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Eric Holder and Colin Powell, etc.

Application Deadline is: September 30, 2018 .

For an application and other information, please contact: The Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Program: P.O. Box 5433, Prairie View, TX 77446-5433. Email: mrcollegiate@yahoo.com.

The Mr. Collegiate African American Pageant is back with a vengeance for its 27th Anniversary celebration! Applications are now being accepted for candidates for the 2017 program set for November 8-11, in Houston, with the finals on November 11  at Prairie View A&M University.

The pageant will commemorate and celebrate the achievement during the special presentation on International Men's Day - November 11.

When we think of pageantry in America, we think of the beautiful and talented women in sequin gowns, swimsuits and talent. Well, the producers of the Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Pageant (MCAASP) has been dispelling this imagery since 1990 when the pageant was created to empower Black college men and to counteract the negative imagery of them as perpetuated in the society.

When asked why a pageant for males, Pageant Director Frederick V. Roberts stated that "pageantry has no gender." In fact, the early Egyptians used pageantry as a ceremony of ascension and coronation. W. E. B. DuBois also produced the "Star of Egypt" pageant back in the early 50's. Using the principles of character, self-esteem, positive role modeling and services, the MCAASP) hopes to grow the next generation of African American male leaders.

The goal of the pageant is to dispel the myth that one has to be a product of a negative environment by creating a model of excellence for a positive belief in oneself and race, and encouraging individual and group achievement in the pursuit of excellence.

The Mr. Collegiate Pageant, the first of its kind for Black men, was created in 1990. However, the first pageant was not staged until April 1992 and Charles Clemens of Lincoln University was selected the first Mr. Collegiate.

Since then, other winners include Steven Daniels, 1993-94 (Alabama State), Stacey O. Washington, 1994-95 (Virginia State), Christopher Sanders, 1995-96 (Kentucky State), Adoris Turner 1997-99 (Jackson State) and Damany Mayfield 2001-2002 (Virginia State)The candidates compete for more than $8,000 in scholarships, gifts and prizes, and the opportunity to represent the national program throughout the world.

Candidates compete in a private interview with Judges, personal platform (oratory), talent, formal attire and onstage interview and question.

The pageant winners will receive some $5,000 in scholarships, gifts and prizes and the opportunity to represent the program at special events, visits to K-12 and colleges around the country.

The pageant is in its Twenty-sixth year and is opened to Black men 18-30 years of age who are enrolled in four-year colleges and universities. The program is being sponsored in conjunction with the National Leadership Conference on Black Men, set for November 10-11, 2017 at PVAMU.  The summit will focus on helping to create the next generation of leaders in the likes of President Barak Obama, Dr. Cornell West, Mark Morial, the Honorable Louis Farrakhan, Benjamin Chavis, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Eric Holder and Colin Powell, etc. 

Application Deadline is: September 30, 2017 .

For an application and other information, please contact: The Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Program: P.O. Box 5433, Prairie View, TX 77446-5433. Email: mrcollegiate@yahoo.com

Black College Men Pageant Comes to Texas in 2016

The Mr. Collegiate African American Program (MCAAP) is back! Black male college students, primarily from historically black colleges and universities (HBCU’s) and other universities across the nation are invited to compete in the 2016 pageant program set for October 27-29 in Prairie View and Houston, Texas.
    

Mr. Collegiate was created in 1990 and the first pageant of its kind for college men in the world. The pageant was first staged in April 1992 at Prairie View A&M University. According to Frederick V. Roberts, a spokesperson for the pageant, the MCAAP's mission is to empower Black men with role modeling, character education, values clarification, and to embrace every opportunity given to him in a proper manner. This year's theme is "Be Ye Transformed: Our Heritage, Our Legacy.”

The pageant, the first of its kind in the world, is being sponsored in conjunction with the National Leadership Summit on the Black Male, set for October 28-29, 2016. The summit will focus on helping to create the next generation of leaders in the likes of President Barak Obama, Dr. Cornell West, Mark Morial, the Honorable Louis Farrakhan, Benjamin Chavis, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X and Colin Powell, etc.

"Students should participate in the pageant because it provides them the opportunity to develop the spirit of competition," Roberts said. "Additionally, the pageant provides programs for personal and professional development, self-esteem and confidence building, enhancement of leadership skills and developing a sense of responsibility to help the community."

Candidates will compete in five categories: personal and private interview; platform expression; talent; evening wear; and on-stage interview question. The young men will be judged by a panel of professionals from the entertainment, academic and business community. Past judges have included mayors, council members, and executive producers of America's pageant systems, recording artists, professors and business owners.

The program winners will receive more than $5,000 in scholarships and prizes and the opportunity to represent the pageant throughout the year and receive media coverage (e.g. ABC, GMA, CBS, Montell, Oprah, ET!, USA Today, MTV, BET, etc.)

Application deadline is September 30, 2016. 

The final competition will be held on the campus of Prairie View A&M University at on October 29, 2016. For pageant and leadership summit information, contact: Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Pageant, P. O. Box 5433, Prairie View, Texas 77446 or mrcollegiateafricanamerican@gmail.com.

Ayobami Shoyinka Is New Mr. Prairie View A&M University

Ayobami Oluwapeluim Shoyinka, a 20 year old junior mechanical engineering student is the new Mr. Prairie ViewA&M University. The pageant, held on April 22 at the university, saw three dynamic and progressive young men vying for the title, along with $3000 in scholarship and prizes and the opportunities for service and travel.

When the competition ended, Ayobami walked away with first place in active sportswear, talent, evening/formal wear and impromptu/onstage question. Winning the pageant is the culmination of months of preparation and training provided by Creative Imagery and Pageant Consulting of America.

Ayobami’s platform, “R.E.B.O.R.N-Reforming Education Based on the overlooked repression in our Nation” is a dynamic program he plans to enact during his term. Ayobami believes that he "can inspire others, particularly the young men, through a variety of positive activities which will provide better opportunities for their future.” The title will give him a broader avenue to implement his platform and make a difference in the lives of the college students.

Ayobami is originally from Ibadan, Nigeria and about 11 years ago, he and his parents moved to Dallas, Texas.  Ayobami is a 2012 graduate of Desoto High School, where he participated in numerous activities, including the Honors program and the Marching Band. He is actively involved on campus as president of the Council of Engineering Organizations, Regional Treasurer, the National Society of Black Engineers, former Secretary for the Sophomore Class Executive Board, an active member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, a member of Prairie View A&M University Honors Program, Recording Secretary, Eta Gamma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and a member of B.L.A.C.K (Brothers Leading and Cultivating Knowledge) and the Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm.  An outstanding student, Ayobami has earned the Presidential Scholarship, the Thurgood Marshall-Walmart First Generation Scholarship, and was awarded “Most Outstanding Mechanical Engineer for 2014”. 

He serves as a positive role model for the students at the university and has provided mentorship to high school students through various programs at the university and in the community. In addition to his organizational affiliation, Ayobami finds time to volunteer with various community cleanups and services to his church and the community.

His career goals are to earn the Masters in Engineering and to own a company that provides clean and efficient energy to businesses that need help from major engineering companies for financial investment and research.  To enhance his career skills, Ayobami spent the summers of 2013 and 2014 in a study abroad program in Xian China and program assistant for the College of Engineering Enrichment Institute and as an intern with Sandia National Labs in Albuquerque, New Mexico, respectively.

The Mr. PVAMU Pageant, in its 29th year, is one of the first pageant of its kind for College Men. As Mr. PVAMU, Ayobami has the opportunity to represent the university in the upcoming Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Pageant in April 2016. The Mr. Collegiate was started at PVAMU in 1990.

For booking information contact: Rev. Charles H. Lewter, IV at chlewter@pvamu.edu or 936-261-3591.

Mr. NCA&T Wins Mr. H.B.C.U. 2015

James Bowen, II, a senior Industrial & Systems Engineering student and Mr. North Carolina A&T is the new Mr. HBCU. 

James competed in the 11th Annual Mr. HBCU Kings Pageant held at  Lincoln University in Jefferson, Missouri on February 8 which featured Black male students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities to include Dillard University, Harris Stowe State University, Prairie View A&M University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Winston Salem State University vying for the title.

James is senior Industrial & Systems Engineering major from Riegelwood, North Carolina and always aspired to be Mr. NCA&T. He began to realize his dream with his selection as Mr. Freshman, and Mr. Junior. With other goals in mind he missed Mr. Sophomore but captured the Mister A&T and now the Mr. HBCU title.  He also serves in various capacities with the Student Government Association  and plans to serve as same role model for younger men as a former Mr. A&T, Jordan Brunson, was for him in his freshman year.

James is committed to bringing excellence and innovation to the position of Mr. A&T
through meaningful programs and community service opportunities.

His future plans include pursuing the masters in Higher Education Administration and
begin a career in Student Life and Development on the campus of a Historically
Black College or University.

As Mr. HBCU, James is expected to implement a platform that will enhance Black men across the nation and to represent the pageant in various activities and events. Along with the title, James receives a $1,500 scholarship and other gifts and prizes from the pageant and its sponsors.

The Mr. HBCU Pageant began in 2004 due to the absence of the Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Pageant which ran from 1992 to 1997 in Texas.  The Mr. Collegiate pageant is the first pageant of its kind created for Black men at HBCU's.  However, the founders of the pageant have expanded the pageant to Black men on all college campuses and is not limited to title holders of those colleges.

The 2015 Mr. Collegiate Pageant is set for April 2-5 in Houston and Prairie View.  It is being sponsored in conjunction with a National Conference on Black Males set for April 3-4 at Prairie View A&M University.

For information on Mr. Collegiate 2015, write to: mrcollegiate@yahoo.com.

Mr. Collegiate African American Pageant set for November 12-15 in Houston

The Mr. Collegiate African American Pageant™ is set to host its 14th Anniversary celebration and competition on November 12-15, 2014 in Houston, with the finals on November 15  at Prairie View A&M University. Applications are now being accepted for candidates for the 2014 program with a deadline of September 30.

The pageant will commemorate and celebrate the achievement during the special presentation during International Men's Week November 9-15.

When we think of pageantry in America, we think of the beautiful and talented women in sequin gowns, swimsuits and talent. Well, the producers of the Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Pageant (MCAASP) has been dispelling this imagery since 1990 when the pageant was created to empower Black college men and to counteract the negative imagery of them as perpetuated in the society.

When asked why a pageant for males, Pageant Director Frederick V. Roberts stated that "pageantry has no gender." In fact, the early Egyptians used pageantry as a ceremony of ascension and coronation. W. E. B. DuBois also produced the "Star of Egypt" pageant back in the early 50's. Using the principles of character, self-esteem, positive role modeling and services, the MCAASP) hopes to grow the next generation of African American male leaders.

The goal of the pageant is to dispel the myth that one has to be a product of a negative environment by creating a model of excellence for a positive belief in oneself and race, and encouraging individual and group achievement in the pursuit of excellence.

The Mr. Collegiate Pageant, the first of its kind for Black men, was created in 1990. However, the first pageant was not staged until April 1992 and Charles Clemens of Lincoln University was selected the first Mr. Collegiate.

Since then, other winners include Steven Daniels, 1993-94 (Alabama State), Stacey O. Washington, 1994-95 (Virginia State), Christopher Sanders, 1995-96 (Kentucky State), Adoris Turner 1997-99 (Jackson State) and Damany Mayfield 2001-2002 (Virginia State)The candidates compete for more than $8,000 in scholarships, gifts and prizes, and the opportunity to represent the national program throughout the world.

Candidates compete in a private interview with Judges, personal platform (oratory), talent, formal attire and onstage interview and question.

The pageant winners will receive some $10,000 in scholarships, gifts and prizes and the opportunity to represent the program at special events, visits to K-12 and colleges around the country.

The pageant is in its Twenty-sixth year and is opened to Black men 18-30 years of age who are enrolled in four-year colleges and universities. The program is being sponsored in conjunction with the National Leadership Conference on Black Men, set for November 14-15, 2014 at PVAMU.  The summit will focus on helping to create the next generation of leaders in the likes of President Barak Obama, Dr. Cornell West, Mark Morial, the Honorable Louis Farrakhan, Benjamin Chavis, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Eric Holder and Colin Powell, etc.

Application Deadline is: September 30, 2014 .

For an application and other information, please contact: The Mr. Collegiate African American Scholarship Program: P.O. Box 5433, Prairie View, TX 77446-5433. Email: mrcollegiate@yahoo.com